After leaving your last class, a hand stops the doors, and someone you recognize enters the elevator. Whether it's a professor who can solve any equation, an art director who produces jaw-dropping creative, a colleague who has recently become a public relations specialist or someone else entirely, now's the time for you to make a new connection. Luckily, you were listening in class and prepared an elevator pitch that you've been waiting to try out.
An elevator pitch is a quick summary of your background, including your education and work experience. According to The Balance, you should be able to start and finish your pitch as you travel from one floor to the next. [1] In other words, the elevator pitch is a snapshot of who you are, what you do, and, more importantly, what you want to do. A graphic designer might mention companies they've collaborated with and the industry they want to break into. A writer might discuss which publications their writing has appeared in and where they hope to see their words appear next.
The Balance suggests using clear language and being persuasive when writing your elevator pitch. [2] Remember to highlight your skill set and share why you would be an asset. Since speaking to someone you don't know can be stressful, practice your pitch repeatedly until it comes out naturally to alleviate anxiety. Don't forget to mention your goals. If you're job hunting, trying to land an internship at a reputable agency or simply seeking to expand your network, clearly state what you're looking for.
Below are five crucial things you should remember when preparing your elevator pitch, according to Business Development Canada [3]:
Summarize what you offer in a few strong sentences. You should be able to finish your pitch in under 30 seconds. Stay calm, introduce yourself, tell them what you do and what you bring to the table.
Regardless of who you're talking to, ensure your pitch covers the same essential elements every time you deliver it. The more you practice, the better you'll deliver your pitch.
Can you explain why you're different from the next person who might get on the next floor? What makes you and your brand unique? What do you have that the next person doesn't?
Your speech needs to capture the listener's attention. People always want to know what's in it for them, so tell them. Tell them how you can meet their needs.
The listener may have questions, and since you've practiced your pitch, you can anticipate the types of questions they'll ask. While your pitch won't impress everyone, you can use those experiences to make it better, stronger or more interesting to the next person you approach.
Here's an example of an elevator pitch from HubSpot [4]:
As an account executive for AnswerASAP, I talk to hundreds of marketers per month. And 99% of them hate creating reports. It's time-consuming, it's tedious, and it's usually not your highest priority. That's where our tool comes in — it pulls from all of your data to create any report you want in less than the time it takes to pour a cup of coffee.
If you need something to help you get started, Harvard University's: Harvard Catalyst has a piece called Elevator Pitches [5] that includes a template that you can download to help you craft your pitch.
An elevator pitch is an ambitious way to introduce yourself and make connections. Even if you're happy or content in your current role, it doesn't hurt to have a pitch ready, just in case you run into someone you'd love to meet. By preparing a pitch in advance, you'll know what to say to start a conversation and leave a lasting impression. Without one, you might unknowingly miss opportunities to engage with peers and industry professionals who could help turn your career ambitions into reality. If you need inspiration, William Arthur Ward, an American motivational speaker, once said, "Opportunities are like sunrises. If you wait too long, you miss them."
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Footnotes
[1] “How to Create an Elevator Pitch (With Examples).” The Balance, 3 May 2024, https://www.thebalancemoney.com/elevator-speech-examples-and-writing-tips-2061976
[2] “How to Create an Elevator Pitch (With Examples).” The Balance, 3 May 2024, https://www.thebalancemoney.com/elevator-speech-examples-and-writing-tips-2061976
[3] “How to Create an Elevator Pitch, What you’ll need for that all-important 30-second presentation.” BDC, 1 August 2023, https://www.bdc.ca/en/articles-tools/marketing-sales-export/marketing/tips-preparing-elevator-pitch
[4] “23 Elevator Pitch Examples to Inspire Your Own.” HubSpot, 8 August 2017, https://blog.hubspot.com/sales/elevator-pitch-examples#30-second-elevator-pitch-examples
[5] “Elevator Pitches.” Harvard Catalyst, https://writingcenter.catalyst.harvard.edu/elevator-pitches
You just crushed the last answer in the interview. You could tell from the expression on their faces that not only did they like your answer – they loved it. You wonder if that was enough to make you stand out amongst the other applicants.
